Introduction
French Onion Soup with Beef Short Ribs is a rich and comforting twist on the classic dish. The deep, caramelized flavors of onions meld beautifully with tender, slow-cooked beef short ribs, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. Topped with crusty French bread and melted Gruyère or Swiss cheese, this soup is perfect for chilly evenings or when you crave something indulgent yet homey.
This recipe elevates traditional French onion soup by incorporating beef short ribs, which add an extra layer of depth and richness.
The long simmering process ensures the meat becomes fall-apart tender while infusing the broth with robust flavor.
Whether served as a starter or a main course, this dish is sure to impress with its balance of savory, sweet, and cheesy goodness.
Ingredients:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound beef short ribs
• 4 large onions, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 slices of French bread
• 1 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Season the beef short ribs with salt and pepper, then sear them in the pot until browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes each side. Remove the ribs and set aside.
3. In the same pot, add the sliced onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they caramelize and turn golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Return the beef short ribs to the pot and pour in the beef broth. Add balsamic vinegar, thyme, bay leaf, and more salt and pepper if desired.
6. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, until the meat is tender.
7. Preheat your oven broiler. While the soup is simmering, place the French bread slices on a baking sheet and toast them lightly in the oven.
8. Once the ribs are tender, remove them from the pot, shred the meat, and discard the bones. Return the meat back to the soup and stir.
9. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, place a slice of toasted French bread on top of each bowl, and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
10. Broil the bowls in the oven for about 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Variations
For a lighter version, you can substitute the beef short ribs with boneless beef chuck or even shredded rotisserie chicken. The cooking time will be shorter, but the soup will still be flavorful.
If you prefer a vegetarian option, omit the meat entirely and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, adding mushrooms for an umami boost.
Cheese lovers can experiment with different types of melty cheeses, such as provolone, mozzarella, or even a sharp cheddar.
For a more complex flavor, try mixing two cheeses together. Additionally, a sprinkle of Parmesan over the top before broiling adds a nice salty kick.
To enhance the soup’s depth, consider adding a splash of red wine along with the beef broth. A dry white wine can also work for a slightly brighter flavor.
For a touch of sweetness, a pinch of sugar or a drizzle of honey can help balance the acidity of the balsamic vinegar.
Tips
Caramelizing the onions properly is key to achieving the soup’s signature sweet and savory base. Cook them low and slow, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
If they start sticking, deglaze the pot with a splash of broth or water to lift the flavorful browned bits.
If you’re short on time, you can use a slow cooker or Instant Pot. After searing the ribs and caramelizing the onions, transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
For the Instant Pot, use the “Soup” setting and reduce the cooking time to about 45 minutes.
For the best texture, shred the beef short ribs into bite-sized pieces before returning them to the soup. This ensures every spoonful has a perfect balance of meat and broth.
If the soup reduces too much during simmering, simply add a bit more broth or water to adjust the consistency.
How to Store
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to thin it out. Avoid boiling it vigorously to prevent the meat from becoming tough.
For longer storage, the soup freezes well without the bread and cheese topping. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and adding fresh bread and cheese for serving.
If you plan to make the soup ahead of time, prepare it up to the broiling step and refrigerate.
When ready to serve, reheat the soup on the stove, then proceed with toasting the bread and broiling the cheese-topped bowls for a freshly made taste and presentation.